Things To See, Hear, and Eat Around Chicago This Weekend

By Jennifer White
dragon dancers lead the parade through the streets of Chicago’s Chinatown
In this file photo from 1993, dragon dancers lead the parade through the streets of Chicago's Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rooster on Jan. 24, 1993. (AP Photo/Frank Polich)
dragon dancers lead the parade through the streets of Chicago’s Chinatown
In this file photo from 1993, dragon dancers lead the parade through the streets of Chicago's Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rooster on Jan. 24, 1993. (AP Photo/Frank Polich)

Things To See, Hear, and Eat Around Chicago This Weekend

By Jennifer White
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It’s hard to convince myself to leave the house for anything but work this time of year. \

So, to inspire me and people like me, we have some suggestions from Ji Suk Yi, host of the Chicago Sun-Times video series “The Grid.” 

WHAT TO SEE:

  1. Argyle Lunar New Year Parade - Kick off the year of the pig with music, colorful lion dances and entertainment at this decades-old Uptown tradition.
  2. Chinatown Parade - Take the family to see marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances and a special appearance by Ronald McDonald.
  3. Joong Boo Market - This hidden gem in Avondale has international produce and groceries that are hard to come by and a snack corner that serves authentic Asian dishes.

WHAT TO HEAR:

  1. Sleeping Village - A new music venue and bar in Avondale where you can get work done during the day, watch shows at night or try one of their 56 drafts.
  2. Midwinter at the Art Institute - Discover new music and art at the institute from Feb. 15-17. Tickets are $50.

WHAT TO EAT:

  1. Dine out at restaurants participating in Chicago Restaurant Week (extended until Feb. 12) or Chicago Black Restaurant Week, from Feb. 10-17
  2. Ohana Ice & Treats for shaved ice and ice cream, or a combination of both.
  3. Beatnik - Ji’s pick for a romantic night out.